Mascara clump disposal tool

ABSTRACT

The present technology relates to an excess mascara and clump removal and cleaning tool. The tool may include several apertures of various sizes that allow a user to cleaning their mascara brush and/or remove clumps of mascara from the brush and/or the tip of the brush prior to mascara application. The excess clumps of mascara may be stored within the interior of the tool. The tool may be opened for discarding of the excess mascara. The tool may be locked to prevent the excess mascara from falling out of the tool.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/313,978 entitled “MASCARA CLUMP REMOVER” and filed on Mar. 28, 2016, the entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of cosmetics and cosmetic tools and more particularly to an excess mascara and clump removal and cleaning tool.

BACKGROUND

A mascara product is a cosmetic product. It is used to apply various shades of cosmetic liquid onto a user's eyelashes in order to enhance a user's natural eyelashes and/or enhance a user's eyes.

A mascara product generally includes a container body within which mascara liquid is stored, a knob air-tightly coupled to an opening of the container body, a bar-shaped brush wand formed at a lower side of the knob, and a brush fixedly installed in the brush wand.

A user can clip the brush into the mascara liquid to sufficiently coat the brush in liquid. The user can then apply mascara liquid onto eyelashes in order to add volume, curl, lengthen, and clean the eyelashes. Sometimes the liquid material does not apply in thin, even amounts onto the brush when it is dipped into the liquid. For example, this may occur even more frequently after the same mascara tube has been opened/used over a longer period of time. This can cause large amounts of liquid material to clump on the brush. These clumps can be transferred onto a user's eyelashes causing unsightly clumps on a user's face. These clumps can make it apparent to others that a user is using mascara; can transfer into a user's eye causing irritation and discomfort; and/or can transfer mascara onto a user's face, etc.

Thus, there is a need for a device that allows for the removal of mascara clumps prior to application.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to an excess mascara and clump removal and cleaning tool. The tool may include several apertures of various sizes that allow a user to clean the mascara brush and/or remove clumps of mascara from the brush prior to mascara application.

In an embodiment, the technology discloses an excess mascara and clump removal and cleaning tool. The tool may have a bottom shell with a top opening and a plurality of sides including a bottom front side having at least one partial front shell aperture. The tool may also include a lid configured to mate with the top opening of the bottom shell and having a plurality of sides including a lid front side having at least one partial front lid aperture configured to match the partial front shell aperture to create a first front aperture on a front side when the lid is in a closed position on the bottom shell. The first front aperture may be configured to accept a brush for cleaning. In an embodiment, the lid may be hingeably attached to the bottom shell.

In an embodiment, the first front aperture may be circular and may include a first front aperture passageway having a first end on an exterior surface of the tool and a second end on an interior surface of the tool. During use, excess material cleaned off a brush may be deposited through the second end of the first front aperture passageway to the interior of the tool.

In an embodiment, the first front aperture is covered by the lid when the tool is in a locked position. The excess material is contained within the interior of the tool when the tool is in a locked position. The tool may be opened to discard excess material contained within the interior of the tool.

In an embodiment, the bottom shell has a back side with at least one back partial shell aperture and the lid has a back side having at least one partial back lid aperture configured to match the partial back shell aperture to create a first back aperture when the lid is in a closed position on the bottom shell. The first back aperture is configured to accept a brush for cleaning and may be rectangular in shape. When the tool is in a locked position, the first back aperture may be covered by the lid. In an embodiment, the excess material contained within the interior of the tool may be discarded through the first back aperture.

The present technology also discloses a method of cleaning a brush including applying mascara to a brush, inserting the brush into a first end of a first front aperture on a front side of an excess mascara and clump removal and cleaning tool, passing the brush through a passageway between the first end to a second end entering into an interior of the tool, removing excess mascara through the passing of the brush, depositing the excess mascara into an interior of the tool, and removing the brush from the tool. The resulting brush may carry a pre-determined amount of mascara for application onto a user's eyelashes.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present teachings may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective exterior view of a brush being cleaned in a closed excess mascara and clump removal and cleaning tool;

FIG. 2 is a perspective interior view of an opened excess mascara and clump removal and cleaning tool;

FIG. 3 is an exterior plan view of the interior of an opened excess mascara and clump removal and cleaning tool;

FIG. 4 is an interior plan view of the exterior of an opened excess mascara and clump removal and cleaning tool;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a first side of a locked excess mascara and clump removal and cleaning tool;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a second side of an excess mascara and clump removal and cleaning tool;

FIG. 7 is a front view of an excess mascara and clump removal and cleaning tool;

FIG. 8 is a back view of an opened clump removal tool; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective exterior view of an opened excess mascara and clump removal and cleaning tool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying attachments. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made. Moreover, features of the various embodiments may be combined or altered. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments.

Assorted types of personal care and cosmetic applicators may include a brush that is used to deliver the personal care and/or cosmetic product onto a target surface. A cleaning device according to the present technology may be useful to clean various types of brushes, e.g., mascara applicators. Though mascara is discussed throughout the application, it is understood that this tool may be used for any type of makeup or similar material.

A mascara applicator may include a brush attached to the end of a wand. During use, the applicator may be dipped into a bottle containing the mascara liquid. The applicator may be removed from the bottle containing the liquid and then the brush may be run through a user's eyelashes to coat the liquid onto a user's eyelashes and/or artificial eyelashes. Sometimes the mascara liquid can clump onto bristles or other portions of the brush, e.g., as is often the case with dried mascara, thicker mascara, etc. Thus, users often repeatedly brush the brush portion of the applicator along an edge of the bottle, along a tissue, along the back of their hand, etc., in an effort to remove the clumps from the brush before applying to their eyelashes.

Rather than cleaning the clumps off the brush in these methods, a user may utilize an excess mascara and clump removal and cleaning tool 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-9 to clean the brush 101.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the tool 100 may have a generally rectangular box shaped body. The tool 100 may have a bottom shell 102 with a matching lid 104. In an embodiment, the lid 104 may be pivotally attached to the shell 102 by a hinge 106. In an embodiment, the lid 104 may be detached to the shell 102. The lid 104 may be secured onto the shell 102. A handle 108 may be provided to allow for ease of removing the lid 104 from the shell 102. In an embodiment, multiple handles may be provided. In an embodiment, an aperture or groove may be provided to assist in the lid removal. The positions of the hinge 106 and/or the handle 108 may be reversed and/or relocated without detracting from the technology. In an embodiment, either or both of these features may not be present on the technology.

The bottom shell 102 may have flanged peripheral lips 110 a, 112 a, and the lid 104 may have flanged peripheral lips 110 b, 112 b, respectively. The lips 110 a, 112 a may overlap and interlock with lips 110 b, 112 b so as to secure the lid 104 to the shell 102 in an effort to prevent the contents of the tool from being spilled out of the apertures discussed below when the lid 104 is in a locked position on the bottom shell 102, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

When the tool 100 is in an unlocked position, the lips 110 a, 112 a may not overlap with lips 110 b, 112 b so as to secure the lid 104 to the shell 102 without blocking the apertures discussed below. An embodiment in this configuration is shown in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, the bottom shell 102 may have a pair of parallel sides 114 a, 116 a attached at perpendicular angles to a parallel front 118 a and a back 120 a. The lid 104 may have a pair of corresponding parallel sides 114 b, 116 b attached at perpendicular angles to a parallel front 118 b and a back 120 b. When the tool 100 is in a closed position, the parallel sides 114 a, 116 a match up with corresponding parallel sides 114 b, 116 b, and front 118 a and a back 120 a match up with corresponding front 118 b and a back 120 b, creating a complete seal with sides 114, 116 and front 118 and back 120, preventing the contents from the tool from being spilled.

The tool 100 may comprise one or more cleaning regions. A cleaning region is a part of the tool that moves relative to a brush to clean the brush and remove any mascara clumps. Generally, a cleaning region comprises at least one aperture having a passageway that has first and second ends, and that passes from an exterior surface to an interior surface of the tool. In an embodiment, the brush may enter a first end of the passageway and emerge from the second end of the passageway. In the process, the brush head is scraped clean on the walls of the aperture. The shape and length of the passageway facilitate removal of mascara clumps of the brush.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 7, the front side 118 of the tool 100 may have a cleaning region. The front side 118 a may have at least one partial aperture 122 a and the front side 118 b may have at least one corresponding partial aperture 122 b. When the tool 100 is in a closed position, the one partial aperture 122 a matches up with the corresponding partial aperture 122 b, to form a complete aperture 122. In an embodiment, the aperture 122 may be circular in shape. The aperture shape 122 is not limited and may be any appropriate shape included oval, oblong, circular, star-shaped, half-moon, triangular, square, rectangular, etc. A rounded shape may be necessary to remove all of the mascara clumps. Any non-rounded sharpening would allow for some of the mascara clumps to either stay on the brush or come to the exterior of the tool, making a mess that may stain counters, towels, clothing, etc. The front side 118 may include more than one aperture of varying sizes. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tool 100 has a small-sized aperture 122, a medium-sized aperture 124, and a large-sized aperture 126. In an embodiment, the apertures may range in diameter from approximately 0.01 inch to approximately 0.1 inch. In an embodiment, the small-sized aperture may be approximately 0.05 inch in diameter, the medium-sized aperture may be approximately 0.062 inch in diameter and the large-sized aperture may be approximately 0.075 inch in diameter. The tool 100 is not limited to a specific number or size of apertures. In an embodiment, the apertures may be identical in size and/or shape. In an embodiment, the apertures may be the same size but various shapes. In an embodiment, the aperture 122 may be designed to clean a particular type of brush or a variety of brushes. For example, the small-sized aperture 122 may be used on smaller sized mascara wands. The aperture sizes may also determine how much mascara liquid is removed from the brush with the clumps. For example, by using the large-sized aperture, large mascara clumps may be removed, but more mascara liquid is left on the brush for a thicker mascara coating to be applied to a user's eyelashes.

The aperture 122 may be designed to allow for the passage of a brush from the exterior of the tool 100 into the interior, and allow contact of the brush against the passageway 128 in the aperture. The contact of the brush against the passageway 128 may allow for any clumps of mascara to be removed from the brush. The passageway 128 may be smooth, linear, rounded and/or it may be angular.

In an embodiment, a brush may fit into multiple sized apertures and a user could select the appropriate sized aperture based on how much mascara the user wanted to remain on the brush after cleaning. For example, if the user wanted a heavier application of mascara, she would clean the brush through a large-sized aperture. If the user wanted a lighter coating of non-clumped mascara, she would clean the brush through a small-sized aperture wherein more mascara would be removed.

The tool 100 may have an additional cleaning region on its back side 120, as shown in FIGS. 2, 8, and 9. The back side 120 a may have at least one partial aperture 130 a and the back side 130 b may have at least one corresponding partial aperture 130 b. When the tool 100 is in a closed position, the one partial aperture 130 a matches up with the corresponding partial aperture 130 b, to form a complete aperture 130. In an embodiment, the aperture 130 may be rectangular in shape. The aperture 130 shape is not limited and may be any appropriate shape including square or circular. The aperture 130 may be any appropriate size. In an embodiment, the aperture may be approximately 1 inch long by approximately 0.5 inch wide. In an embodiment, the aperture may be approximately 0.5 inch long by approximately 0.25 inch wide. The aperture 130 may be used for wiping a tip of the brush, the handle of the brush, or manually inserting any clumps of mascara, tissue, etc., into the tool 100. A user may also tap her mascara wand on the edge of the aperture to remove excess clumps into the aperture. In an embodiment, the aperture 130 may be large enough for a user to clean multiple brushes at once. In an embodiment, the user may empty out the contents of the tool through the aperture 130, eliminating the need to open the tool.

In an embodiment, the back side 120 may include more than one aperture of varying sizes and/or shapes, similar to those shown on the front side 118 in FIGS. 2 and 7. The tool 100 is not limited to a specific number or size of apertures. In an embodiment, the apertures may be identical in size and/or shape. In an embodiment, the apertures may be the same size but various shapes. In an embodiment, the apertures 122 may be designed to clean a particular type of brush or a variety or brushes.

The tool may be formed of any appropriate material, including but not limited to, plastic, metal or other suitable material. It may be formed out of a biodegradable material such as paper, cardstock, or cardboard. It may be formed out of one material or a combination of multiple materials. The tool may be injection molded or formed by any other appropriate means. In an embodiment, the tool would be washable and reusable.

The tool may be any appropriate color and finish. It may be adorned with logos, names, textures, etc.

The tool may be any appropriate dimensions so long as it is capable of receiving and cleaning brushes. In an embodiment, the tool may be approximately 0.5-3.0 inches long by approximately 0.5-3.0 inches wide and approximately 0.5-3.0 inches tall. In an embodiment, the tool may be approximately 1.46 inches long by approximately 1.08 inches wide and approximately 0.66 inches tall. In an embodiment, the tool may be approximately 1.46 inches long by approximately 1.08 inches wide and approximately 1.2 inches tall. The tool may be of an appropriate size to allow a user to easily store it in a purse, backpack, makeup bag, and/or toiletry kit. The tool may be of an appropriate size for a user to store it in a pocket or apron, e.g., in the case of a professional make-up artist.

During use, a user may apply mascara liquid to the brush 101 and then insert the brush into at least one of the various sized apertures 122, 124, and 126 on the front side 118 of the tool 100.

If the user wants to clear a small portion of the clumps off the mascara brush, they may choose to run it through the large-sized aperture 126. This aperture may clear the clumps clinging to the outside edges of the brush's bristles. A user may also choose to use the large-sized aperture 126 if the user has a large brush.

If a user wants to clean all or nearly all of the clumps off their mascara brush, the user may choose to run it through the small-sized aperture 122. This aperture may clear nearly all or all of the clumps clinging to the outside edges of the brush's bristles. A user may also choose to use the small-sized aperture 122 if the user has a small brush, e.g., a child's makeup kit brush.

The medium-sized aperture 124 may be used for an in-between level of clump cleaning on a brush. Upon insertion of the brush 101 into the appropriate sized aperture, the user will remove any access mascara clumps, depositing the clumps into the interior of the tool and removing a clump-free brush from the tool.

The user may also clean the brush 101 in the aperture 130 on the back side 120 of the tool 100. In an embodiment, the user may clean the brush throughout the entire single aperture 130 or may use it before using the front side apertures 122, 124, and 126. Again, the user deposits the clumps into the interior of the tool after cleaning.

After cleaning the brush 101 to the user's satisfaction and removing all of the clumps of mascara, the user may apply the mascara to eyelashes as normal. The result is a clump-free mascara application. No clumps cling to the user's eyelashes, fall onto the user's face, or fall onto the surrounding clothing, bathroom counter, etc.

After use, the user may push down on the lid 104 to secure its attachment to the corresponding bottom shell 102. When placed in a locked position, the lid 104 overlaps with the shell 102 to cover all of the apertures to prevent the mascara clump mess from falling out of the tool 100. With the lid 104 locked, the mess can be stored until the user has time to open the tool and empty its contents into a trash can, sink, toilet, etc. The locked lid 104 may allow for neat, easy transport of the cleaning device 100 and allow for the device 100 to be added to a user's purse, makeup kit, luggage, etc., without fear of mess. Additionally, the locked lid may allow for a user to keep the device 100 from receiving pathogens, dirt, etc., that could contaminate the user's brushes.

Although the present embodiments have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the interchangeable footwear device is not to be limited to just the embodiments disclosed, but that the device described herein is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that these embodiments be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An excess mascara and clump removal and cleaning tool comprising: a bottom shell having a top opening and a plurality of sides including a bottom front side having at least one partial front shell aperture; a lid configured to mate with the top opening of the bottom shell and having a plurality of sides including a lid front side having at least one partial front lid aperture configured to match the at one partial front shell aperture to create a first front aperture on a front side when the lid is in a closed position on the bottom shell; wherein the first front aperture is configured to accept a brush for removing excess mascara and cleaning.
 2. The tool of claim 1, wherein the lid is hingeably attached to the bottom shell.
 3. The tool of claim 1, wherein the first front aperture is circular.
 4. The tool of claim 3, wherein the first front aperture comprises a first front aperture passageway having a first end on an exterior surface of the tool and a second end on an interior surface of the tool.
 5. The tool of claim 4, wherein excess material cleaned off a brush is deposited through the second end of the first front aperture passageway to the interior of the tool.
 6. The tool of claim 5, wherein the first front aperture is covered by the lid when the tool is in a locked position.
 7. The tool of claim 6, wherein the excess material is contained within the interior of the tool when the tool is in a locked position.
 8. The tool of claim 7, wherein the tool is opened to discard excess material contained within the interior of the tool.
 9. The tool of claim 1, wherein the bottom shell has a back side having at least one back partial shell aperture and the lid has a back side having at least one partial back lid aperture configured to match the at one partial back shell aperture to create a first back aperture when the lid is in a closed position on the bottom shell; and wherein the first back aperture is configured to accept a brush for cleaning.
 10. The tool of claim 9, wherein the first back aperture is rectangular.
 11. The tool of claim 9, wherein the first back aperture is covered by the lid when the tool is in a locked position
 12. The tool of claim 1, comprising a second front aperture on its front side.
 13. An excess mascara and clump removal and cleaning tool comprising: a bottom shell having a top opening and a plurality of sides including a bottom front side having at least one partial front shell aperture; a lid configured to mate with the top opening of the bottom shell and having a plurality of sides including a lid front side having at least one partial front lid aperture configured to match the at one partial front shell aperture to create a first front aperture on a front side when the lid is in a closed position on the bottom shell; wherein the first front aperture is configured to accept a brush for cleaning; and wherein the bottom shell has a back side having a first back aperture when the lid is in a closed position on the bottom shell.
 14. The tool of claim 13, wherein excess material cleaned off a brush through insertion into the first front aperture is deposited in the interior of the tool.
 15. The tool of claim 14, wherein the excess material is contained within the interior of the tool when the tool is in a locked position.
 16. The tool of claim 15, wherein the excess material is discarded through the first back aperture.
 17. The tool of claim 13, further comprising a second front aperture on its front side.
 18. A method of cleaning a brush comprising: applying mascara to a brush; inserting the brush into a first end of a first front aperture on a front side of an excess mascara and clump removal tool; passing the brush through a passageway between the first end to a second end entering into an interior of the tool; removing excess mascara through the passing of the brush; depositing the excess mascara into an interior of the tool; removing the brush from the tool.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising locking the tool to prevent the excess mascara from exiting the interior of the tool.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the brush removed from the tool carries a pre-determined amount of mascara. 